Master of Arts and Graduate Certificate in Program Evaluation
Ready to make a bigger impact? Michigan State University's Masters in Program Evaluation and Certificate in Program Evaluation equip you with the skills to be a sought-after program evaluator. This rapidly growing field offers exciting opportunities to improve programs and shape policies in government, education, public health, human services, and beyond. Built for working professionals, our online programs allow you to fit your studies around your busy schedule — at an affordable cost. Keep reading for helpful information about our programs and follow us on LinkedIn.
The program evaluation masters and certificate classes are delivered entirely online by respected, accomplished evaluation professionals. As a student in this program, you'll consult with faculty, exchange ideas with classmates, and complete knowledge and skill-building activities — all at locations and hours that are most convenient for you.
Also, as a masters student you will complete a two-semester supervised practicum where you'll work alongside evaluation practitioners in a professional evaluation setting to gain first-hand experience applying your learning from prior classes. Most importantly, in the end, you will have developed the skills needed for a successful evaluation career in local, state, and federal agencies, as well as the private sector.
Click here to find out about the costs of the courses and programs.
Read more about the program evaluation masters and program evaluation certificate options below.
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Master of Arts in Program Evaluation
Core Courses
To earn a master's degree in program evaluation, students complete eight core content courses (24 credits) that cover:
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leading models and standards of professional evaluation practice.
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quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-method design and analysis for the evaluation context.
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effective interpersonal and communication skills.
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leading-edge dissemination and reporting strategies.
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evaluation contracting and project management.
Practicum
Students also complete a practicum sequence (13 credits) that provides them with the opportunity to further develop their evaluation skills by immersion in a real-world setting in which evaluations are currently being conducted. Settings include government agencies, human service organizations, educational settings, healthcare organizations, and for-profit and non-profit evaluation firms.
Program Duration
Most people who are working full-time complete the degree in seven to 10 semesters taking one or two classes at a time according to an individualized plan of study. Those who choose to complete the program as a full-time student, earn their degree in 16 months (four consecutive semesters).
Cost
The current cost of tuition for the M.A. in program evaluation is $32,190 ($870/credit hour). Rates are subject to change. Contact the MSU Financial Aid Office for information about financial assistance. Contact MSU Student Accounts for billing and payment information.
The total cost for course materials (e.g., books) is approximately $1050. -
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Graduate Certificate in Program Evaluation
The graduate certificate is designed to provide foundational knowledge and skills, while providing students with the flexibility to tailor the program to meet their unique educational needs. The graduate certificate is a good option for evaluation practitioners looking to advance their skills and credentials without committing the time and resources necessary to complete a master's degree. However, should your circumstances change, credits from the certificate program can be applied toward the master's degree. This means that once you complete the program evaluation certificate, you are already on your way to earning your program evaluation masters.
Required Courses
To earn a program evaluation certificate, students complete four 3-credit courses (12 credits). As a certificate student, you would take:
- PSY 880: Foundations of Evaluation to gain a solid foundation in leading models and standards of professional evaluation practice.
- One of the two evaluation design courses: PSY 881: Evaluation Design or PSY 884: Qualitative and Mixed Method Evaluation
- Two electives that best meet your professional goals: PSY 881: Evaluation Design ; PSY 882: Evaluation Data Collection Methods ;PSY 883: Statistics for Evaluators I ; PSY 884: Qualitative and Mixed Method Evaluation ; PSY 885: Communicating and Reporting ; PSY 887: Statistics for Evaluators II ; and PSY 888: Evaluation Project Management .
Cost
The current tuition cost for the program evaluation certificate is $10,440 ($870/credit hour). Rates are subject to change. Contact the MSU Financial Aid Office for information about financial assistance. Contact MSU Student Accounts for billing and payment information.
The cost for course materials (e.g., books) is approximately $400.
Q: How long does it take to complete the program evaluation masters?
A: Most students finish the degree in 28 months. The program evaluation master's degree can be completed in as few as 16 months.
Q: How do program evaluation masters students who are working full-time balance those demands and the practicum?
A: Most of the students in the program evaluation masters program work full-time, and many do their practicum at their place of employment. Those whose place of employment is not an option for the practicum tend to either find a placement that will fit with their work schedule or adjust their work schedule to accommodate their practicum.
Q: Why are the program evaluation masters and certificate programs offered through the Department of Psychology?
A: The program evaluation masters and certificate programs are offered through the Department of Psychology because many community psychologists conduct program evaluations. Read more about MSU's Ecological/Community Psychology area within the Ph.D. program here.
